Russia to build early warning system for natural disasters in Myanmar

The Russian Emergencies Ministry will help Myanmar build an early warning system for natural disasters and supply it with equipment needed for clean-up operations, Russia’s ambassador to Myanmar said Wednesday, according to a Sputnik News report on 14 October.

“Myanmar’s government is interested in building a nationwide emergency response system. We are discussing deliveries of equipment and communication systems,” Ambassador Vasily Pospelov said. “There is potential for developing cooperation on early warning and response to natural disasters.”

The country has been devastated by severe floods caused by monsoon rains earlier this year that killed nine people and injured around 70,000, according to local authorities. Around 12,000 homes were destroyed.